"There we go, all measured up. We should have her uniform completed in a few days." A jovial middle-aged woman said with a large smile.
"Thank you." Zenesha said to the woman before turning to Laura. "Let's go."
Laura nodded, and followed the Ice Princess out of the room, briefly glancing at the woman that just measured her. She made sure to grab her jacket on the way out since she had to take that off to be measured. The wolf wasn't particularly excited for the outfits to come, but she guessed she had no real choice.
Looking at the cold fox in front of her, she noted how the uniform seemed to be mostly black with blue highlights. While the pants and military boots looked fine, the double button, military overcoat looked a little stuffy for her taste. Though Laura had to admit they did look good, especially on Zenesha. She looked like a real imperial princess.
"Excited for your uniform, you lazy wolf." Zenesha asked as they walked.
"Not really. They don't like the idea of wearing a fully buttoned coat all day." Laura admitted.
"You would be surprised by how breathable they truly are."
"I hope you're right., I still think my current outfit is better." Laura mumbled.
"If it makes you feel better, I ask them to make changes to your outfit specifically."
Laura's ears perked up at this. "Really? You'd do that for me princess?"
Zenesha suddenly stopped walking, causing Laura to almost run into her. The fox then turned around and looked at Laura for a few seconds before giving her a small smile. Laura was stunned for a few seconds before coming to her senses and hurried to catch up to her Ice Princess.
=======
"Can you stop doing that!"
Once again Zenesha found Laura looking under the skirt of a certain fox figurine. She quickly snatched the object from Laura's hand before setting it back onto the shelf red faced. She then turned around with a glare as she pointed an accusatory finger at the perpetrator.
"Can't you behave when we're alone?" She questioned.
Laura smirked at the blushing fox, finding her embarrassment cute. She's grown much fonder of Zenesha than she expected and found teasing her very fun. The way she acted in front of others was a stark contrast with the way they interacted with each other in private.
"Why would I do that?" Laura asked with a tilt of her head. "Your flustered reactions are so cute."
"I hate you."
"No you don't."
Giving a defeated sigh, the fox sat down at her desk. Turning on her computer and opening a blank document she started creating two separate lists. After she finished typing, she started to print the two lists. After it finished printing, she grabbed the papers from the printer beside her computer desk and handed it to Laura.
"Here, these are lists of both locations and people I'll need you to familiarize yourself with." She spoke. "It'll be helpful if you could check them out for me."
Looking at the pieces of paper in hand Laura read what was on them. Even three of the four Condors were on it, along with important sounding locations such as the Research and Development department.
"Should I do this all tomorrow or take my time?" Laura asked.
"Take your time. There's no need to rush."
"Got it." She then looked at the list of people again before speaking. "You really don't trust anyone here huh?"
"There are always people out there with bad intentions against me." Zenesha answered. "My mother…. Anyway, you can deal with all that tomorrow."
"Understood Zenesha."
Folding the paper with the two lists and sticking it in her pocket Laura turned her attention back towards the fox in front of her. Reaching out a hand she started petting the woman once again with a smile. Zenesha rolled her eyes but just like last time made no move to stop Laura.
"Wanna tell me more where those characters come from?"
Zenesha looked in the direction the wolf was looking and saw her collection of figures. She stayed silent for a while. She sighed, finishing whatever internal struggle she just had inside her head and answered.
"They're characters from a multitude of different shows, but they all originate from the same country."
"Then tell me where the fox girl is from."
"You damn pervert." Zenesha muttered before typing something into her PC.
"She's from a show called… Ice Fox of Destruction." Zenesha said with hesitance.
"So, you're telling me you found a show about a fox girl with ice powers?" Laura asked, barely holding back a laugh.
"Yeah, so what?" The fox said defensively.
"Nothing, nothing, just amazed by the coincidence is all." Laura said, placating her princess. "I might check the show out later."
"Please don't. I have the feeling you'll become even worse if you do."
"But I'm interested in what you're interested in." Laura said as she walked away, pulling her hand away from Zenesha's head.
".... Only check it out if you're actually interested in it." She responded, her tail drooping in disappointment at Laura's withdrawal.
"Will do, but I think I'll take a shower first." Laura answered, grabbing a fresh set of clothing from her bag.
Once inside the bathroom the wolf looked at herself in the mirror, lost in thought. She wondered if she would be able to truly leave when the time came. Her role here only lasted till they found the traitor and got rid of them.
"How did this happen?" Laura wondered, smiling to herself. "First time I've felt… affection for someone."
Deciding she wouldn't get an answer by just looking into a bathroom mirror, she stripped off her clothes and turned on the shower. This wasn't much of a worry for her, and if it became a problem, that's for future her to figure out. Right now, she was content with just spending her days with her fox.
=======
Later that day, a little before the afternoon, Laura stood outside the office of one of the Condor's. She had just knocked on the door and heard a muffle response inviting her inside. Without any delay the wolf woman grabbed the handle and pushed the door open, revealing the rooms interior and man sitting behind his desk.
"Thank you for visiting me, ma'am, we didn't really have a chance to talk yesterday." The forty-year-old man greeted Laura, after inviting her into his office.
"I figured I should at least speak with all of you one on one." Laura responded walking into the room.
Looking around she found herself in a cozy area with polished wooden furniture, a plush carpet, and creamy white painted wall. On one bookshelf cabinet were rewards and other trophies along with a photo of himself and an older gentleman. His desk was nice and orderly, with everything organized into neat stacks, which contrasted with Zenesha's messy paper covered desk.
"You have a nice office, Condor." Laura noted sitting down on the cushioned wooden chair in front of the man's desk.
"I thank you ma'am." The Condor responded. "I believe it's important to keep one's space neat and orderly."
"I see."
"Was there anything in particular you had in mind for us to discuss?"
"I was hoping to get your opinion on this traitor against the pr- Queen Zenesha."
"Yes, I suppose you would be concerned about that." The Condor leaned back in his seat as he sighed. "I'm not sure what to tell you, this is a new development. We suspected a traitor when Queen Zenesha went missing a week ago and only confirmed it once you all returned."
"So, you don't have any suspicions, personal or otherwise?"
"No ma'am." He then paused as a knock was heard at the door. "Come in."
Walking into the room was a young man pushing a cart with a tea set on top. He stopped next to the two of them, poured a cup of tea for the Condor then glanced in Laura's direction as if to ask if she wanted any tea. The wolf woman shook her head, and the young man then walked out the room with the cart.
When he walked past her however Laura's fur stood on end. She looked in his direction, but he wasn't paying attention and was soon gone. She squinted her eyes at the closed door before returning her attention back to the Condor.
"Truly I am sorry, but it's only been a day since official investigations have opened." He continued after taking a sip of his tea. "If I learn anything I'll send all the information to you."
"Thank you, Condor. I'll be off then I have other business to attend to."
"Yes of course. Thank you again for visiting." He then paused again before adding. "I also like to apologize for my suspicion at the meeting yesterday."
Laura just nodded at his words before turning to leave. Once out of the man's office she looked down the hallway and realized the young man from before was gone. She frowned, not really knowing why he felt off to her.
"I'll figure it out eventually… if I remember who that even was." She then checked the time and realized she still had plenty of time before lunch with Zenesha.
"I should cook for her. I bet she'll enjoy that!" Laura said with excitement.